Looking for Soccer News?

Paris Saint-Germain's fixation on Lionel Messi has not only been public facing, as Leandro Paredes told reporters the squad has discussed Barcelona's star "a lot" in the locker room behind closed doors.

Paredes made the admission speaking ahead of PSG's Champions League tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

The match-up between French and Spanish giants comes as a poetic twist of fate after Paredes' team-mates had in recent weeks made suggestive comments in the media about Messi potentially joining PSG this summer, which upset Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman .

What did Paredes say about Messi?

"Having Messi against us will force us to defend well but we will do our best to have a good game, have the ball and make sure that he does not put us in difficulty," Paredes told reporters.

He added on Messi potentially joining PSG: "We talked about it a lot in the locker room but now I don't want to talk about it anymore. It's an important game and we are only focused on this game."

What is Paredes' connection to Messi?

While Paredes likely won't know the exact, up-to-date thinking of Messi going into the next transfer window, they have shared the Argentina national team pitch together.

Further reading

Simba SC striker Chris Mugalu has outlined two reasons why he has always scored against AS Vita Club whenever he plays against them.

The Congolese import was on target as the Msimbazi giants picked up a 1-0 win against Vita Club in a Group A Caf Champions League fixture on Saturday.

It has now emerged Mugalu has managed to score against Vita Club with three different clubs – Simba, Lusaka Dynamos of Zambia, and FC Lupopo of Congo – a feat he has tried to explain.

Mugalu said his desire to play for the DR Congo national team, which is currently being coached by Florent Ibenge, who turns out to be the current coach for AS Vita, has always pushed him to score against them so he can impress him for a national team call-up.

“That's why every time I meet or play against him [Ibenge], I fight harder than usual to show him I have the potential to be called up to the national team and it is the reason I strive to score against him and the team,” Mugalu said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I know every time I show him the ability to play for the national team, he doesn't call me, but with the fact I have shown the best level in this match [AS Vita versus Simba], I don't see any reason why he should leave me out of the team.

“The second reason is that I was playing at home, I know the stadium very well and I want to show people back home that I still got it, I can play at the biggest level and my level of playing is very high, maybe better than the last time they saw me.

“I thank God because, before the game, I promised that I will score against AS Vita, and I did exactly that, the big thing now is that I was able to give my team the win and the vital points.”

Mugalu continued: “When I was playing for FC Lupopo here at home I scored against AS Vita, when I went to Zambia [to play for Lusaka Dynamos], I also came here and scored against them and this time around, I am with Simba and I scored against them again.”

"If my mind is settled without any issues affecting me, I can score many goals because that is my job, I can do it again and again.”

Simba will now face Egyptian giants and defending champions Al Ahly in their second group match.

National Pension Scheme Authority Stars midfielder Daniel Adoko was happy to have helped his team achieve their dream of getting a win against Gor Mahia in the Caf Confederation Cup at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The 21-year-old fired home in the 86th minute to complicate K'Ogalo's chances of advancing into the group stage after dropping from the Champions League.

The Pensioners has now shed more light on what went on in his mind before shooting at goal, which handed his team a vital away win.

"We fought this battle as a team and I am happy we have achieved our dream," Adoko told Goal.

"I saw the ball coming and I knew it was my moment to shoot. I did and it went in! It was wonderful; I was happy we worked as a team and achieved what the coach told us to do."

Prior to that strike, the visitors had struggled to break down the East Africans' defence. The midfielder has explained why it seemed so and also used the opportunity to pass the message to their supporters back at home. 

"[The Gor Mahia defence was not strong], we stuck to the instructions the coach gave us of playing a defensive game since we were playing away," Adoko added.

"It is the reason why we were defending more. Then we got one chance and took it.  

"[The fans] should keep on supporting us and we will keep on fighting for them. We hope to see them back at home and we will give them a good result again."

Meanwhile, the Pensioners head coach Mohamed Fathi has cautioned his players to stop celebrating after winning away.

With the return leg set for February 21 in Lusaka, the tactician has remained cautious, insisting the fixture is not won yet as they still have another 90 minutes to play.

"The game is not over yet," Fathi told Goal. "We are celebrating here now and I have told my players that immediately we land in Lusaka; we must shift focus to the return leg.

"Gor Mahia is a very difficult team, they proved they are tough to beat until we were forced to change our tact, so we cannot be able to underrate them now we won, we have to stay focused and work on mistakes we committed ahead of the return leg."

Naby Keita will not travel with Liverpool for their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig in Budapest, while James Milner and Fabinho will need to prove their fitness after missing training on Monday.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who earlier in the day dismissed talk that he was set to quit as Liverpool manager, says Keita is fit again following a hamstring problem but feels it wise that he does not make the long trip to Hungary.

Fabinho did not feature in the defeat to Leicester on account of a muscle injury, whille Milner only lasted 17 minutes of the 3-1 loss on after picking up a hamstring problem.

What was said?

“Naby is no longer injured but he’s not fit yet,” Klopp said. “He was in training yesterday but it’s not sufficient yet. We will be away for two days and he will be in training; it’s better than flying with us. Of course Naby would have liked to be there when it’s against Leipzig.

“He has had some very great spells but obviously you have to say he has had too many injuries as well, which hasn’t helped a lot. But he has played some really great games for us and scored important goals, has contributed to our success last year; he was always involved despite the injuries.

“These were unfortunate moments when you look at his injuries, it was just minor things that [ruled] him out from the team. But he has got an excellent perspective and is a great player.

“In terms of injuries, we all have to go through these difficulties and once that’s behind you, we’ll have another absolutely great player.”

Liverpool’s injury worries

The Reds have had a season beset by injuries, with defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip long-term absentees.

Fabinho has had niggling problems for much of the season, and missed training on Monday - as did Milner.

It appears Milner and Fabinho will travel with the squad for the meeting with Leipzig at the Puskas Arena, but both will need to prove their fitness.

Liverpool also confirmed Ben Davies and Divock Origi took part in training after missing the loss to Leicester.

Leipzig have problems of their own

The Bundesliga side are without Emil Forsberg, Konrad Laimer and Dominik Szoboszlai - but Benjamin Henrichs is set to win his fitness battle.

"Unfortunately, Emil Forsberg isn't fully fit yet," Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said. "He still has problems with changes in direction.

"It's looking good with Benjamin Henrichs. He will be on the plane."

Further reading

Randy Waldrum has hit the ground running in charge of the Nigeria senior women's national team following his first training session with the African champions.

Despite a botched engagement in 2017, the American was reappointed to lead the Super Falcons in October 2020 following the resignation of erstwhile coach Thomas Dennerby.

On arriving in Antalya on Monday, Waldrum united for the first time with the squad, who are assembling for the first time since crashing out of the Olympic Games qualifiers in October 2019.

Ahead of 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Super Falcons are launching their preparations at the 2021 Turkish Women's Cup, scheduled to be held from February 15-24.  

The Nigeria-based delegation, including nine players, were led by Honorable Ayo Omidiran - the NFF women's football committee chair arrived in the host city on Monday afternoon.

Christy Ohiaeriaku, Onome Ebi, Glory Ogbonna, Mariam Ibrahim, Chidinma Okeke, Habeebat Akinwande, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Gift Monday were the nine players from Lagos.

During the 10-day competition, they will face CSKA Moscow, Uzbekistan and Equatorial Guinea at the fifth edition of the women's invitational tournament. 

Subsequently, on Monday evening, the team underwent a light recovery and stretching training session inside the Emir Hotels Sports Complex, under the watch of Waldrum.
 

After Monday's first indoor session, Waldrum and his new players are expected to undergo a full training session on Tuesday by 13:30 Nigerian time. 

Nigeria will take on CSKA in their opener on Thursday at Emir Hotels Sports Complex before the second match with Uzbekistan on February 20 and Equatorial Guinea three days later.

The African champions are hoping to become the first national side from Africa to win the Turkish Women's Cup this year.

Josh Maja’s brace for Fulham against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday means that the Bordeaux loanee has equalled a Premier League record that has stood for 28 years.

In netting twice in the 2-0 defeat of Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees, Maja became only the second Nigerian player in the English top-flight to hit a double on his first start in the competition.

The only other Nigerian player to do this was Efan Ekoku, who achieved the feat on May 8, 1993, when he scored on two occasions as Norwich City played out a 3-3 draw at Middlesbrough.

The Cheetham Hill-born Ekoku signed for the Canaries in 1993, when the Carrow Road giants were in the thick of a battle for the English top-flight title under the management of Mike Walker.

After leaving Norwich a season later, Ekoku played for Wimbledon, Grasshoppers, Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford and Dublin City, where he drew the curtains on his football career.

Getting his first start for Scott Parker’s team at Goodison Park, Maja put his side ahead – beating goalkeeper Robin Olsen after combining well with compatriot Ola Aina.

The 22-year-old got his second of the night in the 65th minute after tucking home when Harrison Reed struck a shot which hit the woodwork and fell to him.

"It is a big one, we came into the game wanting to win it and not had the results we wanted. We are very happy with the win,” Maja told BT Sport after the game.

"We took our chances when it came and put in another good performance again, we want to continue like this. For the whole 90 minutes, the guys worked hard and stuck to the gameplan.

"This is a night I have been dreaming about for a long time, especially last night and I had a feeling it was coming and pleased it became a reality.

"Wins give the fans and players confidence and we want to take it into the next game."

Maja will look forward to continuing his impressive showings when Fulham take on Burnley in their next Premier League outing on February 17.

As it stands, Parker's team sits in the 18th spot after garnering 18 points from 23 games in the ongoing 2020-21 campaign.

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will play their respective Nedbank Cup Last 16 matches on February 27, with the Brazilians kicking off the day, before the Soweto giants are in action later on.

All matches of this round will be played on the weekend of February 26 to 28.

Sundowns host GladAfrica Championship side Polokwane City at 15:00, four days after their Caf Champions League Group B fixture away at Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Pirates kick off their fixture away at Maritzburg United three hours later and three days after facing SuperSport United in the league, again on the road.

“The Cape Town derby between Cape Town All Stars and Cape Town Spurs will kick-off the round of 16 action on Friday, 26 February 2021 at 15h00. Then at 18h00 on the same day, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila will host Swallows FC,” the PSL confirmed.

“Three fixtures are scheduled for Saturday, 27 February 2021: at 15h00, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be at home to Polokwane City while Black Leopards and AmaZulu FC lock horns in Limpopo at the same time. “In the evening [18h00], 2018 finalists Maritzburg United will host two-time champions Orlando Pirates.

“On Sunday, 28 February 2021, TS Sporting and Richards Bay FC will square off for a quarterfinal berth while Pretoria Callies and JDR Stars trade blows in the much anticipated Tshwane derby. Both fixtures will kick-off at 15h00.

“Later at 18h00, two-time semi-finalists Chippa United will come up against Cape Town City and both sides will be aiming to grab the last remaining 2020/21 Nedbank Cup quarter-final spot.”

Sundowns beat Stellenbosch 3-2 after extra-time in the Round of 32 to reach the Last 16 as they campaign for a sixth Nedbank crown and their second on the trot.

Following the elimination of Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy and Baroka FC from this tournament by first division teams, Downs know that they will have to approach this match with more caution than some of their PSL rivals.

After missing out on the MTN8, the Nedbank Cup is another chance for Downs to end the season with a treble as they are also in pursuit of Premier Soccer League and Caf Champions League glory.

Pirates on the other hand would be seeking to improve from last season where they exited at the Round of 32 after losing to Bidvest Wits on penalties.

This time around, the Buccaneers narrowly beat GladAfrica Champion outfit Uthongathi FC 1-0 to advance to the next round.

Their opponents Maritzburg United are in the middle of a difficult season, flirting with relegation and edged Sekhukhune United 2-1 in their Round of 32 match to go through.

Good centre-backs are the key to successful teams in real life and in FIFA 21.

Just look at how Liverpool have struggled without Virgil van Dijk to see how important he has been to their success.

Similarly, having someone who can prevent attacks is just as important as finding good goalscorers in FIFA 21, but who should you add to your squad in FIFA Ultimate Team?

The best defenders this year are the ones with high pace ratings as they will not get caught out by speedy opponents. There is little point in having a player with high tackling stats if they cannot get near the ball.

Who are the best centre-backs in FIFA Ultimate Team?

The best centre-backs in FIFA Ultimate Team are defenders with high pace ratings that can compete with any opponent.

Strong defensive attributes are obviously important when tackling, blocking shots and cutting off passing lines, but the frenetic nature of FIFA 21 means that pace is the most important attribute in most areas of the pitch.

Many of the highly-rated players in FUT have great overall scores but low pace and this makes them unusable for all but the most proficient FIFA gamers.

As a result, you will rarely see people using Gerard Pique or Mats Hummels in their squads as their low pace ratings mean they can get caught out by quick counter attacks and fast forwards.

To keep up with pacey opponents, you will need centre-backs with at least 75 pace, but even with a low budget, you can find someone who fits your needs.

Fastest budget centre-backs under 5,000 coins

Thanks to the market crash as well as the game being out for many months, many quality defenders have become much more affordable.

A lot of very quick defenders are now available for under 5,000 coins, including Napoli colossus Kostas Manolas, who once cost more than 20,000 coins on both PlayStation and Xbox markets.

Amazingly, RB Leipzig have three different centre-backs with both a Pace (PAC) rating of at least 75 and an Overall (OVR) rating of at least 75.

Lukas Klostermann is one of the fastest defenders in the game and after being priced at over 10,000 coins when FIFA 21 was released back in October, is now much more affordable for new and casual players.

Fikayo Tomori has a pace rating of 80 and after his loan transfer in January is available in both Premier League and Serie A versions for Chelsea and AC Milan.

Spurs centre-back Davinson Sanchez is hugely popular in FIFA 21 as he is quick and powerful and has a high defensive workrate.

A lot of La Liga teams use both Real Madrid defenders at the back, partnering Nacho Fernandez with Eder Militao as they can easly keep up with even the paciest opposition forwards,

Fastest expensive centre-backs

More experienced FIFA gamers may be able to spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of coins on improving their squads.

Coins can be earned through winning games and playing in Rivals and Weekend League, trading on the market and selling players after getting very lucky when opening packs.

The majority of people will not be able to pay over 1 million coins for a player, but if you have a budget of at least 200k for a new centre-back, the players below are worth checking out.

The quickest centre-backs in the game are special cards, including both Team of the Year (TOTY) defenders Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Ramos, while the fastest centre-back in the game is a Team of the Week version of Kyle Walker.

Some defenders like UEFA Champions League Live Manuel Akanji and FUT Freeze Robin Gosens are a bit more affordable, but Akanji could see his price (and rating) increase if Borussia Dortmund can progress further in Europe.

A lot of the fastest centre-backs in FIFA 21 are Icons, who have good chemistry links with all leagues and can fit into any squad in FIFA Ultimate Team.

This list does not include players from Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) as these players are no longer available on the market and thus cannot be added to teams unless they are already in your club.

More FIFA 21 stuff

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he would like to one day move into management having worked with some of the best coaches in football.

The Germany international is in the best form of his life under Pep Guardiola, helping City move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.

Gundogan remains focused on his playing career, with the 30-year-old an integral part of City’s squad as they chase trophies in four competitions, but says he has considered coaching as his next move.

How did he learn from the best?

Jurgen Klopp signed Gundogan for Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund in 2011 and he helped them win the German double in his first season before reaching the Champions League the year after.

When Klopp left to join Liverpool, he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel and the pair worked together for a year at Signal Iduna Park.

Gundogan switched to City in 2016, becoming Guardiola’s first signing at Etihad Stadium and going on to win two Premier League titles and four domestic trophies.

How seriously is Gundogan considering management?

"Some time ago, I asked around for some information on how the procedure would work if I were to take a trainer's licence one day. In that sense, it's more than just a thought,” he told Goal and SPOX. “But how I would like to orient myself then, my thoughts are not yet that far.

“The fact is that with Pep, Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, I've had pretty much the best coaches in club football so far. You learn a lot and think about how you can pass on this knowledge after your career."

Why is Guardiola so special?

Gundogan has been impressed with the way that the City boss has been able to get his team back into the title race when it has been suggested that his management style can only have a short-term impact.

City finished 18 points behind Klopp's Liverpool last season but Guardiola's has turned around his side this season, embarking on a record-breaking 16-match winning streak.

“I was injured at first but then I joined a team that you thought had been playing this Pep football for years,” he said. “The speed with which he can communicate his football tactically to the team is impressive. That was also the case at Bayern [Munich] back then.

“At the same time, it's also this season, because he still acts with such motivation in every training session. There was always talk that Pep was only a coach for a maximum of three years - at the moment we see that these critics were wrong."

What else has impressed Gundogan?

Guardiola came under intense pressure to give Academy product Phil Foden more game time when the 20-year-old broke into the first team as a teenager, but his burgeoning career has been carefully nurtured by the City boss, and now with more than 100 appearances for the club, Foden has become a key member of the squad.

"There was also some criticism from different directions for his handling of Phil Foden,” Gundogan said. “Pep publicly emphasised his qualities very early on but his game time was still relatively small at the beginning.

“This season, however, we see that this was exactly the right way to go. Pep was very keen on him at all times, especially in training.

“At the moment, Phil is playing an extremely important role in the team. He was one of our best players against Liverpool. He is getting better and better.

“Pep has brought him in slowly and carefully and has not let other views influence him. At the moment, we are all happy in the team to have such a top European talent in our ranks."

Further reading

Gundogan: I could spend rest of my career at Man City

Gundogan is Europe's most in-form player

Guardiola hails Manchester City squad resolve

Maritzburg United have completed the signing for right-back Dusan Stevic from Serbian Super Liga side FK Napredak Krusevac on an 18-month deal.

After Middendorp’s eye was spot on when he signed Samir Nurkovic for Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of last season, there are high hopes that Stevic would become a sensation in the PSL just like his compatriot.

The 25-year-old arrives in KwaZulu-Natal after making 13 league appearances for Napredak this season.

He has previously played for Panserraikos FC in the Greek third-tier as well as FK Rabotnicki in the Macedonia top division.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Dusan to Pietermaritzburg and to Maritzburg United and we are confident that his stay with us will prove successful,” said Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia.

“The technical team together with club management identified the need to strengthen our defence and after doing our research, we found that Stevic fitted the profile well of what we were looking for.

“We believe he will bring balance and solidity to our defensive unit and give head coach Ernst Middendorp more options for the rest of the season and beyond.”

The Serb will be fighting for the right-back position against the likes of Bandile Shandu and Gadinkame Modise.

Stevic becomes the second player signed by Middendorp from Europe during the current transfer window which closes on Monday.

The Team of Choice recently signed goalkeeper Marcelo Engelhardt from Eintracht Braunschweig, who are campaigning in the German 2. Bundesliga.

Engelhardt has already made two appearances for Maritzburg so far, one in a Premier Soccer League match and another in the Nedbank Cup 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United.

It is yet to be seen if Middendorp’s mid-season signings will make an impact in the team's fight against relegation.

The Team of Choice are second from bottom with nine points from 15 games.

Their number of points are the same as basement side Black Leopards who have played a game fewer.

Stevic could make his debut when Maritzburg host Orlando Pirates in a league match on February 27.

Steven Gerrard has admitted to stealing ideas from his former managers Brendan Rodgers and Sven-Goran Eriksson, with the Rangers boss putting those lessons to good use as he closes in on the Scottish Premiership title.

The Liverpool legend is edging the Gers ever closer to a domestic crown, with Old Firm rivals Celtic set to miss out on an historic 10th successive title.

It has taken Gerrard three seasons to reach this point, but his potential has been noted for some time – with a new contract signed to 2024 as he is linked with a future return to Anfield – and he credits those he worked with in the past for pushing him into contention for major honours as a coach.

What has been said?

Gerrard, who worked under some top bosses while representing Liverpool and England, has told the Robbie Fowler Podcast: “In terms of management, I've tried to be a sponge and steal and learn all different things from all the managers I have played for.

“When you look at [Gerard] Houllier and [Rafa] Benitez, they were really compact managers, hard to play against, Roy Hodgson the same. [Fabio] Capello, very similar, where it's about your organisation and your shape.

“I've tapped into loads of that education throughout the Rangers journey, especially in Europe and the top games we have played domestically.

“At the same time, I've stolen stuff from Brendan Rodgers, from other managers, Sven Goran Eriksson, those type of people in terms of the style, how it looks, playing through the lines, building from the back.

“I think it is important to be yourself when you are in these roles and do it your own way but I've worked with top managers so you would be a fool not to try and steal and use their expertise for my benefit.”

Gerrard’s record as a manager

The Anfield icon cut his coaching teeth within the academy ranks on Merseyside before heading out on his own.

He has taken in 154 games as Rangers boss, collecting 101 wins from those fixtures and suffering just 20 defeats.

The Ibrox outfit are currently 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and have gone unbeaten through 29 games so far.

Gerrard’s side are also through to the last-32 of the Europa League, where they are due to face Antwerp, with a man who won the FA Cup and Champions League as a player – while collecting 114 caps for his country – looking to get his hands on a first trophy as a manager.

Further reading

Jordan Henderson has laughed off suggestions of a dressing room bust-up between Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson after Liverpool's defeat at Leicester on Saturday.

It has been a weekend for rumours on Merseyside, with claims that Jurgen Klopp was ready to quit as manager following the Reds' recent slump.

Klopp himself dismissed those stories emphatically on Monday at the press conference to preview his side's Champions League last 16 first leg tie against RB Leipzig, and Henderson was similarly dismissive of rumours that Liverpool's players had fallen out with each other after the 3-1 loss at the King Power Stadium. 

What was said?

Asked about the rumours, Henderson said: "I don’t think I even need to comment on something like that. Someone is sitting behind a keyboard making up rumours about the manager or the dressing room. It doesn’t need me to say anything. Not true.

"I quite liked the one where Robbo and Ali were having a fight, though. That made us chuckle. It was a rumour. No truth in any of them."

Was anything else said at Monday's press conference?

Klopp confirmed that Naby Keita would not travel to Budapest for Tuesday's game. The Guinea international was pictured in training at Kirkby on Monday morning, but the game will come too soon as he recovers fully from the hamstring injury which has kept him out since December.

Ben Davies and Divock Origi, though, should return to the squad having missed the defeat to Leicester with minor muscle issues. 

Fabinho and James Milner will miss out, and are doubts for Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield.

Why is the Leipzig game being played in Budapest?

The game has been switched due to the travel ban imposed by the German government on arrivals from the United Kingdom. Liverpool applied to authorities for the right to enter Germany in order to play the game, but the federal police rejected their request.

As a consequence, under UEFA's rules, RB Leipzig were forced to find an alternative venue or else they risked handing the Reds a 3-0 forfeit victory.

It now appears increasingly likely that the second leg, scheduled for March 10 at Anfield, will also need to be moved with the German government informing Leipzig that they would need to quarantine upon their return amid concerns over new strains of coronavirus which are prevalent in the UK.

Liverpool, sources have told Goal, are already considering alternative venues, although the quarantine advice from the German government is due to be reviewed on March 5 – just five days before the game is to take place.

Were the government to relax the restrictions, then Leipzig would be able to travel and play the game as normal, but that appears unlikely at this stage.

Further Reading

Klopp dismisses rumours he will quit Liverpool

Nagelsmann expects strong Liverpool showing

How Liverpool's 'champions of everything' unravelled

Edinson Cavani has made a positive impression on many of his team-mates at Manchester United, with back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant admitting the Uruguayan has always been his “No 1 target on Championship Manager”.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in a position where transfer dreams can be made reality, and the Norwegian coach moved for the experienced frontman during the summer of 2020.

That show of faith has been richly rewarded, with Cavani playing an important role on and off the field for the Red Devils.

What has been said?

Grant told United’s ‘Unscripted’ series: “Edinson is somebody who I’ve always loved to watch, long before he came to United. He was always my No 1 target on Championship Manager back when I had the time (days which are behind me now with four children) and he is a real pleasure to play with.

“As much as it pains me to say as a goalkeeper, it’s a real pleasure to watch him ply his trade.

"He has a way with his movement and his first touch of setting things up in such a way that he’s almost guaranteed a goal as an end product because of the position he’s taken up, the run he’s made, the touch he’s given himself. He always gives himself a really high percentage chance to score at the end of that.

“Some of his finishes as a result of training can look so natural, but it’s all down to preparation. He has this uncanny knack of repeating, repeating, repeating, and that’s a real skill in itself, the dedication he has to finish with such care and attention to detail. I think certainly our younger lads are all benefiting from being around somebody who is so meticulous about his work.”

Cavani’s record at Man Utd

The South American linked up with United after a record-setting spell at Paris Saint-Germain – one that saw him become the French club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

He was eased into the fold at Old Trafford by Solskjaer  but has seen regular game time over recent weeks.

Cavani is now up to 24 appearances for the Red Devils, with seven goals and two assists.

The bigger picture

Cavani’s predatory instincts are being put to good use by United, with questions having been asked for time as to the ability of Anthony Martial to be a leading No 9.

He was, however, only tied to an initial one-year contract upon his arrival in England.

The expectation is that a 12-month extension option in that deal will be taken up, but United are yet to make any official announcement regarding a prolonged stay at Old Trafford.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed rumours he is ready to quit Liverpool, insisting he doesn’t need a break despite the Reds’ recent slump.

Suggestions had spread like wildfire on Merseyside over the weekend that Klopp was set to resign as manager. The rumours had led to one group of fans hanging a banner outside Anfield in support of the German, while others took to social media to get behind the 53-year-old.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference to preview Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 first leg against RB Leipzig, Klopp was able to squash the stories completely.

What did Klopp have to say?

He told reporters: “I heard about both [the rumours and the banner]. The banner is nice, obviously. It’s not necessary. I don’t feel I need special support in the moment, but it’s nice, very nice.

“What was the other thing? What was the word? That I could leave? Did I get the sack or could I leave myself? Neither nor. I don’t need a break.”

Why have there been rumours surrounding Klopp's future?

Speculation intensifed following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester, a result which leaves the reigning champions on a run of just two wins from nine Premier League matches.

Klopp however clarified that despite recent results and the sad loss of his mother Elisabeth recently, he is still fully committed to the challenge of getting Liverpool back on track.

He said: “The last thing I want to do is talk about private things in a press conference, but everybody knows we had a tough time. We always dealt with it as a family, 100 per cent.

“I have worked as a coach for 20 years and I can split things. I can switch off. I don’t carry things with me. If I am in the workplace, then I am here.

“Of course we are influenced by things around us, but nobody has to worry about me. Honestly. I might not look like it, because the weather is not cool and I am white and the beard gets more and more grey, I don’t sleep a lot so my eyes look like this, but I am full of energy! Honestly.

“The situation is a challenge. I don’t want to be in it, but I see it as a challenge, an interesting challenge. Nobody wrote a book about how to sort it, but we will sort it.

"It could be tricky, but we will sort it by playing football, by sticking together even more, by fighting with all we have, learning more than you can learn in each season before. That’s the plan we have.

“At the moment, a lot of people are not happy with the results. I get that, but I am responsible for that.

“It’s a massive challenge. I’m ready, the boys are ready, and we will give our absolute everything to sort it.

“Thank you for all the support. I’m very, very grateful for these kind of things, but they really can think about other things because nobody needs to worry about me.”

What else did Klopp have to say?

When asked by Goal about the importance of feeling that support from fans, at a time when stadiums are empty, Klopp added: “Of course it’s nice. I feel the responsibility so much when things don’t go well. I don’t want any praise for that. It’s all fine. We do it for the people.

“The majority of our people are still with us. Maybe even more so. It’s nice to feel that, but I would prefer to fight this fight with our people in the stadium. That’s when you can show real unity.

“If the stadium was now full for the next 10 games, I would really love to fight together against it. Now, we fight in different places, but knowing about the support is great.”

Further reading

How Liverpool's 'champions of everything' unravelled

Salah makes promise to Liverpool fans

Guardiola warns Liverpool can still catch Manchester City

Marco Rose is set to take the reins at Borussia Dortmund this summer, with Borussia Monchengladbach revealing that he will be departing their dugout at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old only took on his current job in 2019 but impressive progress, which includes a run through to the last-16 of the Champions League, has seen his stock rise.

He will now be filling one of the most prominent Bundesliga posts in 2021-22, with interim boss Edin Terzic stepping aside at Signal Iduna Park.

What has been said?

Monchengladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl has told his club’s official website: “We have had many discussions with each other in the past few weeks about Marco's future. Unfortunately, he has now decided that he would like to make use of a clause in his contract, which runs until June 2022, and switch to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

“If the conditions stipulated in his contract are met on time, he will no longer be available to us after the end of the season. Until then we will mobilise all our strengths together with Marco to achieve our goals in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.”

Rose’s managerial record

As things stands, Rose has taken charge of 72 games for Monchengladbach.

His win ratio stands at 50 per cent, with 36 victories secured alongside 18 draws and the same number of defeats.

Rose’s men currently sit seventh in the Bundesliga table, 15 points behind leaders Bayern Munich but only three adrift of the Champions League qualification places.

They are still involved in that competition this season, with the first leg of a last-16 showdown with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City set for February 24.

Further reading

Real Madrid’s injury woes show no sign of abating, with the Blancos confirming that Dani Carvajal has been added to an ever-growing list after picking up a thigh problem in a 2-0 win over Valencia.

The 29-year-old full-back lasted less than 28 minutes against Los Che at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday before being forced from the field.

He was replaced by the returning Lucas Vazquez, in a crumb of comfort for Zinedine Zidane, but one step forward has been followed by another in the opposite direction for a side that has suffered a damaging string of untimely fitness setbacks.

What has been said?

Madrid have posted an update on their official website, which reads: “Following tests carried out on our player, Dani Carvajal, by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right thigh affecting the tendon.

“His recovery will continue to be assessed.”

How did Zidane respond to the news?

The Blancos boss has grown accustomed to seeing key men ruled out of his plans at regular intervals this season.

He told reporters after seeing his first-choice right-back laid low against Valencia: “I'm sorry for Carva. He played 25 minutes very well and I'm upset because he's very important to us.

“But I can't explain the reasoning [behind the injury problems] to you. As a coach, having injuries is the worst. They've come back to hurt us again.

“I only hope that [Carvajal's injury] is a small one. We'll see what the injury is and for how long he'll be out for.”

How many games will Carvajal miss?

Real have put no timescale on his recovery, but the expectation is that he will be missing for at least a month.

Zidane will be hoping a return date can be nudged forward from that mark, but the Blancos appear set to be without Carvajal for an important run of games.

The defending La Liga champions are due to take in a trip to Real Valladolid on Saturday, before then heading to Italy for the first leg of a Champions League last-16 showdown with Atalanta.

They also have a derby encounter with table-topping Atletico Madrid fast approaching, with that game pencilled in for March 7, while a European return date on home soil will be staged on March 16.

Who else is sidelined at Real Madrid?

Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Marcelo, Eder Militao and Alvaro Odriozola have all been nursing knocks.

At one stage, Zidane found himself down to just 12 fit senior players.

Those issues have been doing the Blancos few favours, with consistency proving elusive for a side that has seen questions asked of its legendary manager.

Further reading

Ronald Koeman has insisted that Paris Saint-Germain have not destabilised Barcelona by fuelling the transfer rumours surrounding Lionel Messi.

Messi's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with PSG being mooted as the Argentine's most likely destination if he decides to leave Barca in the summer.

Several players and staff members have publicly welcomed the prospect of the 33-year-old making his way to Parc des Princes, including Mauricio Pochettino and Neymar, but Koeman claims the ongoing transfer talk hasn't served as a distraction for his side.

What was said?

"PSG have not destabilised us, I don't know if it was their intention. But my theme is to prepare the players. Messi is from Barca and I am hopeful that he is still here [beyond the summer]," he told a press conference on Monday.

Jordi Alba also spoke to the media about Messi ahead of Barca's Champions League round of 16 first leg tie against the French champions, admitting that he would love to see the six-time Ballon d'Or winner pledge his long-term future to the club.

"If I were clear about his future, I wouldn't say it either. He is one hundred per cent committed to Barcelona. Hopefully, we win a title. He will decide at the end of the season," said the Blaugrana full-back.

"What other clubs or players say, we do not pay attention to him. There are many opinions, there is much talk, but the last word is his. The decision will be well thought out and considered.

"It will be the one that he believes is best. With Leo we are much better and stronger. I hope he will stay for many years, but it is his decision and we will have to respect it."

What is Messi's stance?

Messi saw a transfer request turned down following Barca's humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last season, but has put that saga behind him to have a huge impact on the club's 2020-21 campaign.

The Argentina international, whose current contract is due to expire in June, has scored 19 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this term, and has insisted that he is excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the team under Koeman.

However, Messi has also left the door open for a potential exit later this year, as he told La Sexta in December: "I have nothing clear until the end of the year, I will wait for the end of the season.

"I don't know if I'm going to leave or not and if I leave, I would like to leave in the best way."

Will Barca be favourites in PSG tie?

There was a time when PSG would have been major underdogs in any contest against Barca, but the pecking order at the top of European football has changed significantly in recent years.

Pochettino's team reached the Champions League final under Thomas Tuchel last season while the Blaugrana were totally outclassed by eventual winners Bayern in the quarters, and Koeman is wary of the threat they will pose.

The Dutchman still feels his side will come out on top over the two legs though, having seen them embark on an impressive seven-match winning run in La Liga over the past few weeks.

"We are very excited about the Champions League, it is a very tough tie. PSG has a very good team, strong," said Koeman.

"I believe in my team and my players. We are clear about our improvement in the game and results. But the tie is even.

"By history and by track record. We are confident in beating a strong team."

Further reading

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed interest to host the games in Group E (West Zone) of the AFC Champions League (ACL) and Group D of the AFC Cup,  Goal can confirm. Goa and Kolkata are set to be the host venues if the country gets to host the two Asian competitions this season. 

FC Goa, who will be the first Indian club to play in the group stages of the ACL, has been drawn alongside the likes of Iran's Persepolis and Qatar's Al-Rayyan in Group E of the ACL. UAE's Al-Wahda FC and Iraq's Al-Zawraa SC will lock horns in the play-off West 4 qualifying match and the winner of the tie will be the fourth team in Group 'E'.

ATK Mohun Bagan are grouped with Bashundara Kings (Bangladesh), Maziya (the Maldives) and the winner of the play-off round in the Group D (South Zone) in their AFC Cup group stage. Apart from these two Indian clubs, fellow ISL side Bengaluru FC will be facing the winner of the qualifying play-off preliminary round one clash between Nepal Army Club and Sri Lanka Police in the preliminary round two.

The attempt to bag the hosting rights for both the continental level tournaments will be beneficial for the Gaurs and the Mariners who are currently in a bio-bubble in Goa for the ongoing 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season. 

Following the draw for the tournament in the last week of January, Ferrando had said, "It is very difficult (to shift from one bio-bubble to another) but there is no other way. It is necessary to protect the players. I am not so upset because ultimately we are playing in the group stage of the Champions League. Of course, we are away in our rooms, away from family but in the end, we are here to prepare a history for FC Goa."

All AFC club competitions will be held at a centralised venue this season. While the ACL group stage West Region matches will be played between April 14-30, 2021, the East Region games are planned between April 21-May 7.

The ACL knockout matches in the Round of 16 are scheduled for September 13-15 and the quarter-finals on September 27-29. Both rounds will be played as single knockout games. The AFC Champions League semi-finals will be over two legs on October 19-20 and 26-27. The ACL will witness a two-legged final on November 21 and 27.

The group stage matches of the AFC Cup South Zone which is the Group D will commence on May 14.

The two-legged zonal final involving South, Central and East clubs is scheduled for August 11 and 25, with the ASEAN single-leg Zonal final planned for August 25, before the two-legged West Zonal Final takes place on October 20 and November 3. The two-legged Inter-zonal Semi-Finals is scheduled for September 14-15 and 28-29 with the Inter-zonal Final to be staged on October 20 and November 3.